Since I have decided to document my pregnancy journey, I am writing here to share with you how my 1st trimester went. Just like any other pregnant woman, it was not easy for me as well. Although, I think I am one of the fortunate ones not to experience much morning sickness.
Symptoms of Pregnancy
The first symptom I’ve encountered was the breast tenderness. I’ve been suffering with it, I think, since I ovulated. Every time I wake up, they were so sore and by just touching it makes me a bit jumpy. Another symptom I had was heightened sense of smell. I didn’t want the smell of meat being boiled, the smell of oil while frying and the most irritating smell for me was my sister’s Victoria Secret lotion. I just really can’t stand sweet fragrances. It makes me dizzy. I remembered one time smelling it, I thought the world is spinning, literally! I was really angry at my sister for using it and it made me sick the whole day.
During my first trimester, I also experienced constipation. There were days when there were no bowel movement for 5 days or even more. It was really hard for me as I feel heavy for days.
Other than that, the major symptom I had was gas, which led to bloating, burping and of course flatulence. Every meal is a struggle for me because once I’m done, gas builds up and makes my stomach ache real bad. Doctor said it is caused by increased level of progesterone, which is a hormone that causes our muscles to relax, which is good by the way, as it relaxes also the uterine lining of pregnant women.
Food I Ate
I wasn’t particular in the food I eat during this time. I don’t have a list of food that I can’t take because I will eat anything I am given. I don’t have any food cravings at this time as well. I just increased the intake of fruits and vegetables while I eliminated coffee in my diet. I also started drinking milk to increase my calcium intake.
Because of the build-up of gas I am experiencing, my doctor advised that I eat small amounts but frequent. Therefore, I have stacked up crackers, bread, fruits, etc. for snacks in between meals. I love eating oranges, pears, apples, avocado, indian mango and papaya then.
For the constipation, I was advised to eat prunes or drink prune juice. Although I had to stop it because it just caused me diarrhea. Instead, I found out that Yakult and yogurt work for me. Since I’ve had them once a day, there were bowel movements everyday as well.
Problems Encountered
Other than the symptoms I’ve had, the only but major problem I had during the 1st trimester was bleeding. While I was lying in my bed, watching FRIENDS, I felt some vaginal discharge. At first I thought it was leukorrhea, a discharge common to pregnant women. So I rushed to the bathroom to change my underwear. Unfortunately, what I saw was brown discharge. I panicked and called my mom, who I asked to call my doctor. She asked me if I feel any pain, which I’m not. She said it was good and just asked me to take Duphaston and Isoxilan thrice a day, and if the bleeding does not stop, I should see her in her clinic. I was also put to a complete bed rest, meaning I can’t get out of the bed except when going to the comfort room.
During my next visit to my OB/GYN, she asked me to undergo another transvaginal ultrasound to check why I bled. Luckily, everything looks fine, I don’t have any sub chorionic haemorrhage, and the baby’s heart beat is at a normal pace. The doctor said maybe I was just stressed or tired, which caused the bleeding.
I was on complete bed rest for a month. I was so bored, I finished watching 10 seasons of FRIENDS, 2 seasons of Santa Clarita Diet and other TV series on Netflix. I even celebrated my birthday in bed. Good thing my best friends, Apple and Angie, came over to visit me to regain my sanity. Hahaha.
Entering the 2nd Trimester
And now, I am on my 15th week, I felt relieved. Not just because most of the symptoms subsided already, but also because the chance of miscarriage dives down. I am feeling more energized now. I am now able to attend events, go out with family and friends, etc. As they say, this this the three easiest months in pregnancy, so I need to recover and regain my strength to prepare myself for the most awaited and difficult 3rd trimester.
I am more excited now especially to know the gender of the baby. I’ll update you once we know, mommykins!
Until next time…
PS. Please watch my vlog about my first trimester of pregnancy.